I made these during a particularly frustrating time in my life when I was trying to learn to walk again after my accident and bound and determined that I could get into that kitchen and stand long enough to do all of this. I was even more bound and determined that I could then move it back and forth from where I had to prep the ingredients in my kitchen to where I had to photograph it in the sunroom. This seems minor but there is this one step down to get into my sunroom and my legs at this point could barely hold me up for a few minutes at a time, so carrying trays back and forth, going up and down that step, took more effort than most people are capable of realizing.

Looking at these pictures now gets me plum wore out just thinking about it.

While these apples will be easy for you, they are an excercise in stubbornness for me. You see, in the trouble it took me to manage to walk around and make these, I overlooked a few key things and ended up having to make a second batch. No big deal, right? Well, up until this point I had not ventured out by myself. I had only gone grocery shopping when my husband was there to help me and a wheelchair was available for me to get around in.

But I found myself ready to make these apples (doing it right the second time) and no one was here to chauffeur me around. I thought

“Hey, I got this.”

My doctor had cleared me to drive as soon as I was able to get to my car on my own. He has also told me I could walk as much as I was able, as long as I wore my braces, and that walking would serve to make my muscles and healing bones stronger.

So I grabbed up my keys and my walking cane and headed on out to the car with my brace on one leg and boot on the other.

Keep in mind, this was about a week after this photo was taken….

My first steps

I had a flip flop I kept in my car since I can’t drive with the boot on. It takes me several minutes and a lot of exhertion to get out there but I figure I’ll go to Wal Mart because they have all those electric carts and all I have to do is manage to get in the store and I’m home free, right?

Y’all know what they say happens when we make plans…

Later on, I’ll post the funny story about the first time I drove after the accident on my journal section

So I get to Wal Mart and there is a handicapped space – score one for the day (those are not that easy to find). I am leaning heavily on my cane as I painstakingly make my way into the store.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step…walking a few yards is a very arduous process.

I make my way in to where the buggies are and there are a line of three electric carts all lined up agains the wall plugged in. I exhaled and sat down in the first one, closing my eyes to let myself rest for a minute and let my muscles recover. I unplug it and flip the switch on. The lights flash, indicating a dead battery.

I take a deep breath and plug it back in before push/pulling myself back up and Cane.Step.Step. my way to the next one to repeat the process.

I’ll save y’all some reading here and just tell you that every single one I tried had a dead battery.

I sat there a minute, thinking of how I needed chocolate chips and popsicle sticks and I could make my way back to the car and go back home and let someone else get them for me later or I could put these weak bones and muscles to work and get the dern things myself no matter how much effort it took.

Y’all know which one I chose.

So I stood and I started making my way into the store. To say I am walking slow at this point would be an understatement.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

I’m keeping my eyes down as I focus on moving my legs and breathing in and out through the pain and exertion. As I passed the baskets, I stopped and leaned down to loop one over my arm and continued on my way.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

Once I made it about fifteen feet into the store I felt my left leg begin to shake a bit and my right foot paining a little more than usual and I realized how awful I must look to folks passing me by.

I felt tears well up in my eyes.

Aw naw…we ain’t going there! I told myself ” You did not get this far to cry like a baby because you have to work a little harder than most folks. Suck it up buttercup and be proud you can do this much on your own!”

I sucked it up, took a deep breath, and kept on going.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

I am not kidding you when I say that it was over fifteen minutes until I made it to the chocolate chips. I put one bag in my basket, took a deep breath, and turned back the way I had come with the intention of going to the craft department for popsicle sticks.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

Now at this point, y’all know there are gonna be folks whizzing by me on electric carts every five minutes because that is just the way the world works sometimes.

That little devil on my shoulder tried to get me to feel sorry for myself, that they had carts and I did not. But the little angel was louder and said “You can walk, you have two legs, by the grace of God you are going to walk, so get over it.”

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

Another person whizzed by me in an electric cart. The devil on my shoulder said “Look at them. They don’t even look like they need that cart.”

The angel said “You have no idea the road someone is going down and you are able to walk. Enjoy the feel of your muscles supporting you and the ability to stand on your own two legs.”

Then the angel kicked the devil off ‘n that shoulder and he hit the ground with a thud.

Me and that angel giggled just a little bit as we walked.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

Every step exhausted me and made me feel a little victorious at the same time.

By the time we made it to the craft department and up to the front of the store, one hour had passed.

I had broken out in a cold sweat all over my face, my arm holding the cane was shaking as badly as my legs, but I could see the registers just up ahead. Another customer looked at me and rushed forward and took my basket from me. ” Here honey, let me carry this to whatever register you are going to.”

I smiled at her as if she had just paid off my mortgage.

I got to a self checkout lane because I didn’t think I had it in me to wait in a line and leaned heavily on it while I rang my items up. I was dying of thirst and about to fall over so I asked the lady running the self checkout if she would please get me a bottle of water from one of the coolers, which she graciously did. I finished paying for my things, looped my bags around my arm, and turned to make my way towards the door.

Cane. Step. Step.

Cane. Step. Step.

I had never been so tired in all my life and as those automatic doors opened and I felt the rush of fresh air on my face, I knew it would take several long minutes to get to my car but I felt tears spring up in my eyes again.

I had done it.

I had managed to go into a store on my own two feet and get what I need.

I had broken a barrier that day.

Nothing was off limits to me anymore.

The next day my legs were sore.

But the following, they were stronger than ever.

God’s grace overflows.

Now if I can make these apples after all that work, imagine how much easier they will be for you to make!

You’re also going to need some waxed paper, cooking spray, and any type of candy or nut toppings you want to use.

Please note: These apples are going to require some refrigeration so I suggest you use popsicle sticks INSTEAD of the wooden skewers I have pictured here because they are WAAAY too tall to fit into your fridge.

Make sure your COLD apples are clean and dry, then put a stick in each one.

Again, use popsicle sticks, don’t use these skewers. Later on in the post you’ll notice mine have popsicle sticks in them.

Unwrap enough caramels to fill up a 2 cup measuring cup 3/4 of the way. Add one tablespoon of water.

Microwave for one minute. Stir. Microwave for one more minute, stir again until smooth.

Please note: I am hesitant to post recipes involving the microwave because they vary so widely in how they heat. If your microwave tends to be hot or higher powered, check your caramels after 30-45 seconds and stir them. If, after two minutes, the caramels are not melted fully, cook them in 30 second intervals until they are.

This is going to require your own judgement but I promise it is easy and you can do it – because you are awesome.

Just in case you forgot

Now, Baptize the apple in caramel!

As I was dipping them, I thought “This looks like I’m baptizing it” and then thought “I can’t say that, someone will be offended.”

I decided to go ahead and say it anyway because far too many people are looking for ways to be offended these days and if you’re looking for a way to be offended by me, might as well find it sooner rather than later.

I’m not perfect, never have claimed to be. I seek God’s will for my life, love people as much as I can, and try to get a little closer to who I am supposed to be eacy day.

And sometimes, I baptize apples in caramel.

The Mama in me wants to say (in my best playing with a baby voice) :

“BOMP! WHERE DID IT GO????!!!

PEEPIE!!!

THERE IT IS!!!

heeehee

Note: You can skip the caramel and just dip them in chocolate if you like. My kids prefer these without the caramel.

Place all of those on a waxed paper lined tray tray and MAKE SURE you spray that waxed paper with cooking spray BEFORE you put your apples on it or they will absolute not separate from it when you pull them off and you’ll end up with caramel apples bonded to waxed paper on the bottom.

Imagine how I know this…

At this point you need to place these apples in the fridge for AT LEAST 30 minutes, until they are good and cold.

An hour or more is even better.

Now we need to melt our chocolate.

You can use any type of chocolate chips you like for this. I prefer dark chocolate for these apples, even though I am normally a milk chocolate person. The Dark chocoalte complements the apple really well.

Fill a 2 cup measuring cup 3/4 of the way with chocolate chips. microwave this at 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted.

Set up a station wtih some toppings and sprinkles you might want to add.

Make sure those apples are cold…

And dip them in chocolate!

Like this.

Let it drip off a bit before dipping the bottoms in toppings and then returning to greased waxed paper.

Refrigerate until chocolate has hardened.

(this is an apple that I only dipped into chocolate)

If you’d to add white chocolate “streamers” to the top of your apples,

place white chocolate chips in a measuring cup and microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted.

Allow to cool for a minute or two, then spoon into a zipper seal plastic bag.

Poke a toothpick in the end corner and go to town!

Once these are hardened fully, you can wrap them in plastic for gift giving!

If you are going to keep them for more than a few hours, I recommend storing in the fridge.

The night before, wash apples, remove any stickers, and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator to get cold.

Line a tray with waxed paper, spray with cooking spray. Place a stick in each apple and place them on the tray.

Unwrap caramels and fill a 2 cup measuring cup ¾ full. Add 1 Tablespoon of water and microwave at one minute intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted - about two minutes.

Dip each apple into the caramel and hold over it a moment to allow excess to drip off. Return to greased wax paper lined tray and refrigerate at least thirty minutes.

Fill a 2 cup measuring cup ¾ full with chocolate chips. Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted - about two minutes.

Pour toppings into several cereal bowls and place on table with melted chocolate. Get apples from the fridge and dip them, one at a time, into the chocolate - allowing excess to drip off - and then roll them in desired sprinkles. Return to tray and refrigerate until chocolate is hardened.

To top with white chocolate "streamers", place white chocolate chips in a measuring cup and microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted. Allow to cool for a minute or two, then spoon into a zipper seal plastic bag. Poke a toothpick in the end corner and press down on bag while going up and down tops of apples. Refrigerate again until hardened.

Once these are hardened fully, you can wrap them in plastic for gift giving! If you are going to keep them for more than a few hours, I recommend storing in the fridge.

3.3.3077

If you’re looking for instructions on how to make these candied apples, click here.

My husband is retired from full-time ministry. I showed him the pix and comment about “baptizing the apple.” He laughed and said to tell you that he needed a good laugh today. BTW, if you tell someone at Walmart the things that you need, they will go get them from the shelves for you.

LOL!! I’m a Free Will Baptist preachers wife and nothing grows good or comes out good unless you fully immerse them!! Cover them apples good! Love the example!!! Praying you are doing better and healing well!

These look awesome!
And when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
Way to show the Devil who’s boss! It’s so easy to give in sometimes when life is tough. You want to cry and crawl in a hole. But with God’s strength we can keep going even when the world tells you to give up.

And if people are offended by your posts about baptizing and God, then they need to read another blog and leave you alone. Too many people are offended nowadays by the truth, because they know it’s true and they should be doing better, they just don’t want to. So it’s much easier to blame the speaker of the truth and claim to be offended, than realize they need to hear it and listen.
Speak the truth and it will set you free….. Keep calm and Praise God!!

Hello, Christy!
Your precious post has me crying and as for right now, I can’t seem to, or maybe it’s that I don’t want to stop, crying. You’ve been a friend for years, now you’re also my hero. Your inner strength, your resilience and determination, your loving trust in God’s perfect plan in the midst of pain, all of these things serve as living testament to your character. And, also to the power, love, and trustworthiness of your Creator. I’m honored to know you.
Hugs,
Maralee

Woo Hoo! Way to Go Christy!! So happy you made it! I am not surprised but am definately dissappointed that no one saw you, stopped and said, “oh my word, you poor dear! Can I help you get what you need girlfriend?” But maybe God was keeping that from happening so that you could jump that hurdle on your own terms…mysterious was and all. The look on Katie Rose’s face in the picture makes me HAVE TO make these apples, no way around it. God bless you in your healin’ girl, you’re rockin’ it!!

These look amazing! I got one of these for my birthday once, and now I know how I can make my own for gifts.. and I can customize them perfectly to that person! How cool is that!!!

Christy.. you are one tough cookie! I’m so proud of you!!! I’m especially proud of you and your little angel knocking the little devil off your shoulder!!!! You are an amazing woman and a TRUE inspiration!!! May God continue to bless you greatly as you continue “baptizing apples” and your other adventures! I love it!!!

I love this story, just sorry that you had to live it out, however, Thank You for showing us how to respond in a personal crisis, how to smile through the tears and the pain, all that with every inconvenience a person could have. Who would have thought that you would have been walking this soon after your terrible accident? You are an example of God’s Grace, And His power ! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!

I once had brain surgery and was paralyzed on one side. I had been in for a month and was very weak. I could relate to the cold sweats. Because my head was shaved bald from surgery and I was so weak when I was relearning to walk with one dragging foot and a walker I was a truly impressive sweater (maybe sweating person is better)any way I was making puddles on the floor as I toddled along. The nurse brought me a towel to soak up the water so I wouldn’t create a hazard for other patients. the first trip I made to a grocery before I was driving on my own was to a Sam’s warehouse store. man, was that a big store maybe not my wisest choice. I was very tired. You are amazing you are an inspiration for us all. I still have a drop foot and a limp but I have never felt bad about that. I can drive and best of all I have all my memories(except the month of ICU) I count that as a blessing. they told my family I would be a vegetable and when I woke up I could talk, I knew my children and all our past life memories. Prayer is a powerful and mighty force. You have even more than you know praying for you.

Aww, this made me cry. A few years ago I smashed my ankles into little pieces and went through it all: surgery, PT, walker, crutches, cane…. I HATED asking other people for help and decided that I could get groceries by myself with my walker. Only problem is, a walker basket can only hold about 5 pounds before the whole thing falls over. So then I had to decide what to buy: an apple or an orange? How many potatoes could I carry? Half-gallon of milk was out, I had to buy those little school cartons. Then having to haul myself, the walker, and my precious five pounds of groceries all around the store – I was exhausted when I got back to my car. BUT I did it, and was proud of myself! To this day if I have to walk a mile from a parking lot to the store I am still grateful that I am able to do it.

Aww…Christy friend, you certainly had the Lord pushing you along in Walmart that day. (If I’m honest, I’ve got to have Him right by my side when I’m in that place!) You did an awesome job and I’m so glad to see you recovering so well!

Thanks for sharing this, it made me sad and made me laugh at you, but you got the job done…..so it was meant to be that way, even tho we sometimes don’t see it….
These look yummy,,,,tried making these once, yrs. ago and they were a big flop….nothing stayed on the apples I guess I didn’t know they were suppose to be cold…..now I know, now I have to try them again…..love your stories and your blog…..

CHRISTY, I LOVED THE STORY!!!!! I am so sorry you had to fight that oh devil while hurting so bad but sure am GLAD that the ANGEL WON! The angel will always win if we just listen to God and fell his strength and power to defeat that ol’ devil. Glad you are healing you are so inspiring. I still think you would make a great cooking preacher because you can sure get me inspired to step forward when things are down.

Thank you for sharing your journey. It is such good perspective for me! Shame on me for getting mad if the store doesn’t have the exact brand of chocolate chips I want. Thank the Lord it didn’t take me an hour of sweat and tears to hunt them down.

And bless your heart! You hang in there girl and let your poor legs mend. Don’t push too hard and overdo. I know you’re the strong and independent type but try your best to let others do as much as possible for you and give your body a chance to heal and mend itself. I know how hard it can be, not being able to walk or get around for yourself. Also having to be so dependent on others for every little thing when you’re not use to it. Don’t be too proud or afraid to ask for help. You have nothing to prove! With each day you’ll get a little stronger then a little stronger and before you know it up and running like your old self again. But for now it’s baby steps. So whatever you do don’t overdo. Be good to yourself, those legs have a lot more mileage left to go.

I am so proud of you for making this HUGE step in recovery. I was ill for 8 months and could not walk during that time. The recovery process was long, painful and frustrating. I couldn’t help but cringe with each of your “cane, step, step” moments in your blog. It’s clear that God is blessing you! Keep up the great work. Oh, and my kids and I WILL make these apples tomorrow! Yum!

Yeah for you! Thanks for going through all that to bring us this yummyness. Expression on KaRo’s face made it all worth it, didn’t it? I’m ready for caramel apples. Will also try some in white chocolate..never thought to do that. I bet they would be good using peanut butter chips too. I love peanut butter with apples.

Because I have been there I also cringed with each one of your steps. I know the shakes, the sick stomach, the unbearable pain – BUT YOU DID IT!!!!! Praise GOD.!!! You did it! Push each day but maybe not that hard again. FYI: if you need to get around your kitchen or are doing something that requires you to stand for a period of time- do what I do – use a secretarial chair. You know the one without arms. It works great for tulling around the kitchen. Keep getting better – prayers – CJ

I was exhausted after reading your post…good grief! I love your grit and determination, though. I don’t want to sound critical, but you know you took quite a few safety risks that day. I was wondering what your family thought of your Walmart excursion. Well, that’s behind you now, eh? Good luck getting stronger each day!

The apples look so yummy – just like the ones at the store that I won’t pay that much money to buy ($5? $10?) but I got all excited when I saw the Pyrex bowl you have your apples in. LOL! I only have a couple of Pyrex things, but I have THAT set of bowls. I had to pull it out and show my husband…who could not care less. Haha!
I love your resolve – because I could totally see myself being that determined when I had my mind set on something, but I don’t know that I wouldn’t have given in to tears of frustration at some point during that trip. Girl, you are STRONG!
And I’d also like to thank you very much for continuing to speak about the power of God in your life and not be afraid it might offend someone. We need more people like you in this world!

Christy, first of all, what an amazing recovery you’ve had. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers, and I’m so glad you’re back up and at ‘em! Keep up the good work.

Secondly, how did you know we just picked a bushel of apples and needed something fun to do with ‘em? I’ll go by the Safeway tomorrow to pick up some caramel and chocolate (and toppings :)) so we can have a fairground snack right here at home. Thanks for the great recipe!

Sweet Christy, what an inspiration your post is today! While I’m not facing the physical hurdles you are, there are some emotional/spiritual battles going on in our family. I feel myself sometimes wanting to give up because it hurts, but now I can remember your precious “cane. step. step.” and apply it to my spirit! God’s Word will be my cane, and He will give me the energy to take the steps necessary to get through this time.

God bless you for your willingness to share with us, and may your recovery be complete!

Thanks so much for sharing this story. Ten months ago I fell off a ladder and shattered my heel, I never dreamed my life could change so drastically. Ten months later I still haven’t visited WalMart, but the smaller stores are almost as traumatic. Praying for a speedy recovering for you and I’m so anxious to baptize me some apples!

Hi Christie- I am reading all this , with people praising your heroic efforts, and that is all so wonderful. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but some of this sounds like just pride and bullheadedness. If you were in pain to the point of tears, why didn’t
you try to ask someone who works there to help you. I married into a southern family (I’m from Michigan} and those poeple are the most prideful stubborn bunch I have ever seen. One of them, too stubborn to go to the doctor, died of his own stubbornness. I can see wanting to be self-sufficient, but there is also a point at which you will need the help of someone else.

Thank you for your opinion. I’ll take it as saying I’m stubborn as a mule, which I am. Thankfully, God has taught me to let Him use that, which He did that day. There isn’t a way you can walk in these shoes of mine, but if you could I’m sure you’d understand where they’ve been, where they are going, and perhaps even why
That was one of the most blessed days of my life and I’m so glad God didn’t let my own self pity take it from me.
I gotta say, you’re absolutely right about “those people” being a stubborn bunch. It’s saved us from starvation more times than my ancestors can count and kept us working in the fields despite the midday August sun and aching bodies.
Stubborn often comes from having to be and strength often comes from pushing through rather than giving in.
That is where pride comes in. You’re right about that, too.
I’m awfully proud of “Those People”
Thank you for bringing some precious people who have passed on to my mind today. I needed to “see” them again.
Gratefully,
Christy

Hey Christie- I had a feeling you would take that the wrong way. I certainly did not mean all southerners were in that “stubborn ” group. I just don’t think it would have been the worst thing in the world if you had asked for help. Some people would rather carry on like a martyr than to let someone help. I hope your not that extreme.

I found this post through the potluck other blogger’s threw for you and I am so glad I did. You are so inspiring! This post made me cry. I can’t imagine what you must be going through but I am hoping the best for you. It seems like you are one determined lady!

Christy,
I just love ready about your adventures, stories and recipes. I feel like you are sitting at my kitchen table and we are chatting and drinking tea. I live in Kentucky now but grew up in Florence and went to UNA. It’s like I have found an old friend when I come to Southern Plate. You have been in our prayers. My daughter asked me yesterday how you were doing and if you were walking by yourself yet. we are so glad you are doing better. Take care.

I echo what Eldonna said. Despite how some people GO ON about Walmart, and really I do understand your issues. Walmart contains a slew of happy people who are more than happy to help you get whatever you need. They even have a smile on their faces about it. This type of thing, for those of us that struggle through our limitations, on a daily basis, is a LIFE SAVER. For Real, just sayin. …

Christy, I *just* discovered your blog, but I know it was no accident. The Lord led me here. I’ve laughed and cried and felt the Lord tug at my heart as I’ve read about your ‘adventure’ with a certain horse! I’ve gone through my own struggles lately (but nothing like yours!) and am always so grateful for what the Lord teaches me as I lean on Him, things I would never learn if my life were always ‘a bed of roses’. God bless you and your precious family as you continue to heal.

Good Grief Girrrla ! You are amazing! Just wished that when that lil angel plucked that lil devil off your shoulder… she or you (oh not you, you had two bad legs) would have stomped it. Seems as though he has been on my shoulder…. Oh I rebuke him in the mighty name of my Father and yours!
Last fall I made my first caramel chocolate, nutty, candied, marshmallow or fruity apples. They were a hit. Several painstaking hours just to make 8 – 10 apples and my legs were in good shape… the back? Not that good but like you, I perservered. The issues I ran into was the caramel or chocolate dripping had not holding up fast enough to the point where I could put my garnishments on. I think you solved that problem for me. I needed to start out with cold apples! Thank you!
Christy, I was moved by your testimony and have learned over the years (and I have live a lot of em) that even during adversities, when we trust God, we get through and can do a lot. I am not going to call you stubborn but rather that in your moments of despair, you armed yourself with the power of a mighty Lord and pulled through. You taught others a lesson. You see, there would not be one suicide if we just became “stubborn” armed ourselves with the power and pushed through.A week later, wipe the sweat from your brow and say… no yell… I did it ! Thank you Lord, I did it! In conclusion… let me say that you are my kinda people… stubborn and leaning on the strong arm of he that promises deliverance!

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